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First Ambulance Technician students begin training at new clinical skills facility in Mansfield

The first cohort of Ambulance Technician Practice (ATP) students have begun training at a purpose-built Nottingham Trent University (NTU) facility in Mansfield, which features a mock hospital ward and lifelike mannikins.

    Students working on a patient mannikin
    Students learn in a simulated clinical environment

    The Certificate of Higher Education prepares students to become part of a modern emergency team which delivers high-quality pre-hospital care.

    Two groups of ATP trainees per year will be hosted at the new NTU University Centre, with a third cohort studying at NTU’s Clifton campus.

    Along with face to face tuition at the University and independent activities, such as case studies or problem-based learning scenarios, the course includes a significant amount of time on placement within the ambulance service to relate theory and practice.

    While on campus, students gain experience of working with men, women and children with a variety of injuries, and in a range of settings, through the use of Lifecast Body Simulation mannikins – designed and produced at Elstree Film Studios in London.

    Chris Pritchard, course leader and senior lecturer in Paramedic Practice and Emergency Care at NTU’s Institute of Health and Allied Professions, said: “This is a challenging but very rewarding career on the frontline of our health service, helping people at their time of most need. Our programme is distinctive as the vast majority of pathways to ambulance technician roles are within the ambulance services, whereas this course gives students a full university experience alongside their training.

    “Our experienced tutors and practical facilities prepare them to enter a modern NHS with the skills needed to keep calm and efficiently assess, treat and manage patients at the scene of an accident or in their home.”

    ATP student, Michelle Whitley, said: “I’ve always wanted to work within the ambulance sector and the university made this possible.  My favourite thing is being in the building on practical days. The course facilities are 10 out of 10, brand new. Everything we need is accessible and it’s been easy to make friends – our cohort is great, and the tutors are fabulous too.”

    For further information on Paramedicine and Nursing courses at NTU visit the website.

    NTU has joined up with Vision West Nottinghamshire College in Mansfield to offer a new route into higher education for people in the region. The new £6.5m University Centre offers hands-on courses relevant to the skills needed in the local economy.

    • Notes for editors

      Press enquiries please contact Helen Breese, Public Relations Manager, on telephone +44 (0)115 848 8751, or via email

      About Nottingham Trent University

      Nottingham Trent University (NTU) was named University of the Year 2019 in the Guardian University Awards. The award was based on performance and improvement in the Guardian University Guide, retention of students from low-participation areas and attainment of BME students.

      NTU was also the Times Higher Education University of the Year 2017, and The Times and Sunday Times Modern University of the Year 2018. These awards recognise NTU for its high levels of student satisfaction, its quality of teaching, its engagement with employers, and its overall student experience.

      The university has been rated Gold in the Government’s Teaching Excellence Framework – the highest ranking available.

      It is one of the largest UK universities. With nearly 32,000 students and more than 4,000 staff located across four campuses, the University contributes £900m to the UK economy every year. With an international student population of more than 3,000 from around 100 countries, the University prides itself on its global outlook.

      The university is passionate about creating opportunities and its extensive outreach programme is designed to enable NTU to be a vehicle for social mobility. NTU is among the UK’s top five recruiters of students from disadvantaged backgrounds and was awarded University of the Year in the UK Social Mobility Awards 2019.

      A total of 82% of its graduates go on to graduate entry employment or graduate entry education or training within six months of leaving. Student satisfaction is high: NTU achieved an 87% satisfaction score in the 2020 National Student Survey, above the sector average of 83%.

    Published on 24 February 2021
    • Category: Press office; School of Social Sciences